Chris Perez resurrects the rock in Houston – Chron

Chris Perez struck out on his own as a musician two decades ago. His band’s 1999 album “Resurrection” won a Grammy and seemed like a solid first step. They even opened for Mexican rock icons Mana on tour.

But Perez was “overwhelmed” being the face of a new band after playing in the background with his wife Selena for so many years.

“Everything had been happening so fast and so out of sync for me,” he says.

ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Chris Perez looks forward and makes peace with his past

Since then, Perez has performed occasionally and done session work for Tejano acts. Saturday night in Houston, he finally took center stage again.

A receptive crowd, several in Selena shirts, greeted Perez and his band, which included singer John Garza, former Selena keyboardist Joe Ojeda, bassist Adriel Ramirez and drummer Robin Lopez. The set clocked in at more than 90 minutes and included several “Resurrection” tracks and some key covers.

“Best I Can,” an emotional ballad Perez wrote for Selena, still stings with immediacy. But most of the night was decidedly more uptempo. “Solo Tu” was a rager and gave way to an impromptu Metallica riff. The driving “Annie” played like a classic Mana song.

“In case you forgot, you’re at a rock ‘n’ roll show” Garza said. He’s not a showy vocalist but offers sturdy support and flip easily between moods and tempos.

Perez chatted with the crowd between songs, sharing stories about his music and experiences. He seemed at ease on the mic and has a calm, charming presence. At 50, he looks and moves like someone nearly half his age. (It’s astonishing, really.)

And he fussed frequently with his signature mane of curls.

“I’m already hot with the hair out. Should I pull it back?” he asked the crowd, which include his mom and sister. The answer was a resounding no. “I got a rubber band.”

Perez mentioned Selena a few times. But he mostly let the music honor the Tejano icon. Garza led the crowd through a “Fotos y Recuerdos” singalong. And the band transformed “Amor Prohibido” into a frenzied pop-punk anthem. It was so crazy it worked.

The Houston date was a way for Perez test the waters for future projects. Judging by the reaction, it’s clear fans are interested. He’s a very different man from what you might remember — and still has a lot to say.

Joey Guerra is the music critic for the Houston Chronicle. Follow him on Twitter. Send news tips to joey.guerra@chron.com.